Athena the Brain

August 23, 2010
In the first book in Holub and Williams's Goddess Girls series, which places Greek myths in a playful, modern context, 12-year-old Athena has been raised on Earth, where she never quite fit in due to her superior intellect and unusual abilities, like inventing and then playing the world's first trumpet and flute. But then she learns that Zeus is her father; he invites her to attend the Mount Olympus Academy, where he is the principal, and students take classes in Revenge-ology and drink nectar at meals. At Mount Olympus, Athena faces new challenges: while she's befriended by Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis, mean girl Medusa and her sisters resent Athena when cute Poseidon shows interest in her. And, besides keeping up with class assignments (like designing a quest for Odysseus), Athena also wants to win an invention contest and covets a spot on the cheerleading squad. Readers familiar with Greek myths should get a kick out of this plucky restaging. Available simultaneously: Persephone the Phony. Ages 8–12.

April 1, 2010
Gr 3-6-Holub and Williams take readers into the world of the preteen goddesses at Mount Olympus Academy, which is staffed by the likes of Mr. Cyclops and the principal, Zeus. In the first book, 12-year-old Athena's life changes when a papyrus scroll blows into her window informing her that she's Zeus's daughter and must attend Mount Olympus Academy with the other "godboys" and "goddessgirls." At first she's doubtful she can balance school, a social life, and extracurricular activities; however, Athena proves her intellect by ending the Trojan War in Hero-ology, winning the invention fair, and thwarting mean-girl Medusa. In the second title, Persephone is a self-proclaimed phony. She's overly agreeable and conforms to the opinions and pressures of others. While escaping to Earth to get some peace, she wanders into a graveyard and begins a relationship with Hades, the misunderstood outcast. In the end, she learns that true friends will like you even if you express differing opinions. On top of Mount Olympus, the authors intertwine an enchanting mythological world with middle-school woes compounded by life as a deity or blessed mortal. The books should be popular with fans of girly, light fantasy. Be ready to refer readers to solid books on Greek mythology for further reading."Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ"

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